You Raise Me Up

“There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what are they among so many?” (Jn 6:9)


What will you bring to the table?

Music has often helped enhance my memory through catchy tunes. A favorite song of mine is "You Raise Me Up". I was surprised to find that what I thought was such a time and tested hymn has only been around for a little over 20 years. Its message offers so many lessons; particularly, with God's help, we can achieve the infinite. 

"When I am down and, oh my soul, so wearyWhen troubles come and my heart burdened beThen, I am still and wait here in the silenceUntil You come and sit awhile with me." (Songwriters: Brendan Graham / Rolf Loevland; You Raise Me Up lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Ab)

We often think our efforts are not enough. Who am I, amongst all the pristine social media profiles advertising "success stories" of the famous and wealthy? The young boy offering his five loaves and two fish may be perceived at initial glance as a minor character. This was to the disciples at the time of the feeding of the 5000 and probably still even to the present day. We don't know the boy's name, or his backstory. But He stepped up, providing that sustenance for which Jesus could work miracles. Without his offering, it is unclear what might have happened next in this otherwise clear miracle. 

God teaches that we are nourished through the gifts we can provide one another. Even if it is just in the simplest of motions, like offering a shoulder to cry on when someone has lost a loved one, our intention can carry great consequences. Whether young or old, we can often feel helpless in situations that seem overwhelming at first glance. We must remember however that nothing is insurmountable for God. As the chorus of You Raise Me Up declares, "I am strong, when I am on your shoulders. You raise me up to more than I can be."

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